Crumb Navigation

Fall Orientation / Welcome Days

Main Content

Fall Orientation / Welcome Days is designed to help you get to know campus better and introduce you to the numerous academic and social opportunities available. We are still in the proces of putting the finishing touches on our 2018 schedule, but here is what we have planned so far. Please check back closer to Fall Orientation / Welcome Days for updates and changes.

International Students please check the ISSS web page for check-in/programming.

Download the App

Please download the Illinois Student Affairs App and open the Fall Orientation / Welcome Days schedule. We will keep an updated and detailed schedule on the app and notify you directly with any changes!

Scan the QR code on this page or search in the Apple App Store under "Illinois Student Affairs" or for Droid users search for "University of Illinois Student Affairs".

2018 Schedule of Events

Please Note: The schedule provided is subject to change. Please revisit this page for updates in August.

Thursday, August 23

McKinley Welcome

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 11 am-2 pm

Location: Circle Drive at McKinley Health Center

Take a break from moving in and visit McKinley Health Center. Staff will greet you and be available to answer questions you have about our services. See you there! Hosted by McKinley Health Center.

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

International Student Reception

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 2-3 pm

Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

The Chancellor's Office will welcome all new international students to the University of Illinois. There will be cookies, cheese and crackers and the opportunity to meet fellow new students, faculty and administrators.

Target: New International Students

Floor Meetings

Check with your RA for details.

Fall Orientation / Welcome Days Check-In

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 5:30-9 pm

Location: Ikenberry Commons and Illini Union Rec Room

After your floor meeting, your RA will escort you to Fall Orientation / Welcome Days check-in. There are multiple locations and you can come to any or all of them. We will have fun programming where you can meet your new friends. One of our programs is Fire Factor showcasing the Illini Fire Department. You can take a selfy with a firetruck, get sprayed with a sprinkler system, use a fire extinguisher, and so much more!

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

I-Skate at the Ice Arena

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 7:30-9:30 pm

Location: Campus Recreation Ice Arena

Join us at the historic U of I Ice Arena for a “cool” night of free skating, free pizza, and free information on all that Campus Recreation has to offer. No experience or equipment necessary, we’ve got you covered! Hosted by Campus Recreation.

Target: All Students

Move-in Night Illini Union Comedy Show and Coffeehouse

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 8-10:30 pm

Location: Illini Union

Unwind, cool down, and hang out in the Illini Union for a night of laughs featuring comedians. You can also stop in the Courtyard Café to relax and meet new friends while listening to a performance and participate in karaoke from 10 pm-Midnight. Hosted by the Illini Union.

Target: All Students

Chillaxin’ at CRCE

Date: Thursday, August 23

Time: 10 pm-Midnight

Location: Campus Recreation Center East [CRCE]

Unwind from the busy day and Chillax at CRCE. Bring your suit and towel, and hit the water slide, hot tub, play water basketball, and more. There will be FREE Insomnia Cookies to enjoy. For the dry landers, there will be video games, board games, basketball, volleyball, or you can just sit and chat with your new friends. Hosted by Campus Recreation.

Target: All Students

Friday, August 24

Campus Honors Program Orientation (for Chancellor’s Scholars)

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 8-10 am

Location: Illini Union Room 314 A & B

Students that are involved in the Campus Honors Program should have received a direct invitation to this program. At this orientation program you will receive information about your first year involved in Campus Honors and the opportunities that come with it.

James Scholars (who are not also Chancellor's Scholars) do not attend this event; James Scholars should check with their respective colleges for relevant program and event information.

2018 OMSA Welcome Seminar

The purpose of the 2018 OMSA Welcome Seminar is to introduce students to the Office of Minority Student Affairs and our programs/services. This Seminar will also provide students with tips, advice, and strategies on how to transition from High School to College and start immersing them in the Illinois student experience. Lastly, students will be able to meet their specialist or mentor that day.

New Student Convocation

Date: Friday, August 24

Doors Open: 9:30 am

Program: 10:30-11:15 am

Location: State Farm Center

New Student Convocation is a ceremony to welcome new students to the University of Illinois and marks the official beginning of your entry into our community! Immediately following, you will head out to the tailgating lots for lunch with your colleges! Hosted by Student Affairs.

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

New Student Welcome Celebration

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: Immediately following Convocation

Location: Lot 31 just west of Memorial Stadium

Join us for a picnic lunch and sit with fellow students from your college! You will meet different campus resources, run, jump and play with inflatables, and get to meet new friends. Immediately following you will be escorted to your college for your College Welcome Celebration! Hosted by University Catering and New Student Programs.

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

College Parades

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1 pm-various

Location: Lot 31 to each of the various colleges

After the New Student Welcome Celebration, Orientation Leaders will dismiss you and guide you across campus to your college picnic.

College of Education Welcome Celebration

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-2:30 pm

Location: Lot 31

Students, family and friends are invited to the College of Education Welcome Celebration! This is a great opportunity for you to meet current students, faculty, and staff in the college who will be most instrumental in your college experience. You will have the chance to connect with representatives from education student organizations and get to know members of the College of Education community who can support you throughout your time on campus.

Target: EDU Freshmen, EDU Transfers

College of Applied Health Sciences [AHS] Fall Welcome

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-2:30 pm

Location: Huff Hall

AHS invites its new students to an open house to meet faculty, staff and department heads. AHS Registered Student Organizations and University Resources will have informational booths. This is a great opportunity to get involved and apply yourself in your area of interest!

Target: AHS Freshmen, AHS Transfers

The Division of General Studies [DGS] New Student Welcome

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-2:30 pm

Location: Foellinger Auditorium

DGS invites its new freshman and transfers to join their undeclared peers for a fall kickoff event in Foellinger Auditorium. Meet the DGS advising team, get to know other DGS students, and hear about everything DGS offers to start off the school year well!

Target: DGS Freshmen, DGS Transfers

School of Social Work Welcome Celebration

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-3 pm

Location: School of Social Work, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana

Social Work students will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students. You will learn more about the School of Social Work and enjoy a cool treat!

Target: New First-Year Students, New Transfer Students, and New ICT Students

Join continuing students, college faculty and administrators in the College of ACES as we kick-off the new academic year! We will have some light refreshments and chances to win some prizes.

Target: ACES Freshmen, Transfers, and Continuing Students

Gies College of Business New Student Welcome

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-3 pm

Location: South Quad by the Bell Tower

Welcome to the Gies College of Business! Come and meet many of the faculty, staff and fellow students who will shape your experience in the Gies College of Business! Participants will receive t-shirts, learn about opportunities to get involved in the college, and enjoy a sweet treat.

Target: BUS Freshmen, BUS Transfers

College of Fine and Applied Arts [FAA] – Arts at Illinois

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-3 pm

Location: Temple Buell Hall Atrium

New freshman and transfer students are invited to come meet classmates, faculty, and staff in FAA. Join us for a chance to learn more about the FAA experience, participate in fun activities, enjoy some snacks, and pick up your free FAA t-shirt.

Target: FAA Freshmen, FAA Transfers

Meet Media Welcome Celebration

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-4 pm

Location: Gregory Hall 112

Come and meet your new classmates, academic advisors, professors, and Deans in the College of Media. We will help you get to know each other while also going over some of the expectations of being a student in Media at Illinois. At 2 pm, you will break out into your academic major and speak with faculty in your department. At 3 pm, join us for light refreshments and a small informational fair featuring student organizations and other media-related organizations on campus you’ll want to join this fall!

Target: MEDIA Freshmen, MEDIA Transfers

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – LAS Liftoff

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 1:30-4 pm

Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Join other College of Liberal Arts & Sciences freshmen and transfer students to learn about LAS departments, make new friends, interact with your LAS 101/102/122 interns, and meet faculty and staff. Don’t miss your free LAS Liftoff T-shirts, snacks, and entertainment.

Target: LAS Freshmen, LAS Transfers

Illini Union LateNighter

Date: Friday, August 24

Time: 8 pm-1 am

Location: Illini Union

The Illini Union LateNighter is the event to be at during your first Friday night on campus. Bring your roommate and new friends to enjoy comedians, a hypnotist, food, games, giveaways, bowling, and billiards. All for FREE! It’s your chance to explore the Illini Union and see why it is the center of campus activity throughout the year. Hosted by the Illini Union.

Target: All Students

Saturday, August 25

Playfair!

Join us for a fun interactive, team-building experience that will allow you to meet other new students. You won’t want to miss this exciting experience. Enjoy lunch after! Hosted by New Student Programs.

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

James Scholars Welcome (LAS)

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 11 am-1 pm

Location: Lincoln Hall

Liberal Arts and Sciences James Scholars are invited to their orientation program at Lincoln Hall from 11am to 1pm. These students can rejoin the general campus programming once their program is over.

Classroom Campus Tours

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 11 am-3 pm

Location: Anniversary Plaza (Quad outside of the Union), Armory

Bring your class schedule to one of our tents at Anniversary Plaza or the sidewalk outside the Armory and an Orientation Leader will take you on a personalized tour of your class schedule. Learn where your buildings, classrooms, and buses that can take you to your classes.

Illini Frenzy – Explore the C-U College Lifestyle

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: Noon-3 pm

Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)

Explore all the businesses Champaign-Urbana has to offer. Illinois Campus Recreation and the Illini Union are putting on a spectacular event. See what there is to do, where to shop, what you need to survive college at Illinois. Over 80 vendors on site! Enjoy hands on demonstrations, recreation offered to the campus, and much, much more!

Launch! – Engineering at Illinois

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 1-4 pm
[doors open at 12:00 pm]

Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts/Engineering Quad

Join us for Launch, first-year and transfer students’ official welcome to Engineering at Illinois. Launch is a signature event hosted by Engineering at Illinois and IEFX. Please plan now to join us! Highlights include [1] Welcome from Interim Dean Tamar Basar, [2] Inspirational talks from alumni, current students, and practicing engineers, [3] Opportunities to meet fellow undergraduate students, staff and faculty, [4] Music, food, and entertainment!

Target: ENG Freshmen, ChBE freshmen, ABE freshmen, and Transfers

Table Top Game Day at the Undergraduate Library

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 1:30-4 pm

Location: Undergraduate Library (UGL)

Play an old favorite or try something new. We have more than 25 board and card games in our collection. Game hosts will be on site to help. While in the UGL, check out our loanable technology, Media Commons, unique collections (including books and media), and collaboration and quiet spaces.

Wake-Up Call

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 4:30 pm

Location: Foellinger Hall

100 Strong and the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center welcome you to Wake Up Call 2016. Wake Up Call was created with several purposes in mind. This includes providing incoming African American students with a list of resources that will assist them throughout their college career, to encourage African American students to strive for academic excellence, and to promote African American unity throughout the campus and community. With the assistance of current Illinois students, faculty, and alumni, Wake Up Call provides a forum for discussion on the topics relevant to the African American experience at Illinois via skits, multimedia, and the performing arts. We hope you will join us for this informative and entertaining event.

Illinois Sights & Sounds

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: 7-8 pm (doors open at 6 pm)

Location: Memorial Stadium

What a great night for Illinois Sights & Sounds! During this event you’ll get your t-shirt, learn more about the traditions of our university, meet players and coaches from numerous Intercollegiate Athletics teams, and take the “Block I” class photo! Hosted by the Student Alumni Ambassadors.

Target: Freshmen, Transfers

Movie at Memorial Stadium

Date: Saturday, August 25

Time: Directly following Illinois Sights & Sounds

Location: Memorial Stadium

After Illinois Sights & Sounds you will be able to watch a Summer Blockbuster with 7,000 of your newest and closest friends. Sponsored by New Student Programs and the Illini Union Board.

Transfer Student Orientation

Learn how to navigate campus from the bus system, academic support units, joining a Registered Student Organization, and much more! Hosted by New Student Programs.

Target: Transfers

Illini Union Quad Day

Date: Sunday, August 26

Time: Noon-4 pm

Location: Illini Union / Main Quad

Come to the Quad on Sunday for Welcome Days’ signature event. This is your opportunity to check out over 700 Registered Student Organizations [RSO], campus activities, and community organizations. Special demos and performances by the Marching Illini and other RSOs will also be taking place. This is your best way to get connected to the University of Illinois. Prepare for Quad Day by looking at a listing of all the booths and performances ahead of the busy day on the Illinois Student Affairs App. Hosted by the Illini Union Student Programs and Activities.

The Career Center Open House

Stop by to learn about our programming and services, win prizes and enjoy ice cream!

Target: All Students

Other events may be scheduled for special interest groups, and those groups will contact you directly. This general schedule may change due to weather or other unforseen reasons. Please check the app for the most up to date schedule over the summer!

Student Affairs at Illinois will also be providing an app for smart phones. We encourage you to download the Fall Orientation/Welcome Days schedule there as well.

Inclusive Illinois

Inclusive Illinois is about our individual and collective commitment:

I will encourage the expression of different voices, perspectives, and ideas.

I will challenge my own beliefs, opinions, and viewpoints.

I will advocate for an accessible, safe, and respectful environment to enhance the living, learning, and working community at Illinois.

I will acknowledge and respect the multiple identities represented in each individual.